Pepperell awaits word on school grant

By Emily Royalty, eroyalty@nashobapub.com

Updated:
12/04/2012 05:09:34 PM EST

PEPPERELL -- Selectmen say the town is awaiting word from the Massachusetts School Building Authority as to whether a change in the use of the property housing the former Peter Fitzpatrick School will affect receipt of a grant worth more than $200,000.

The School Committee and the MSBA are currently in discussions regarding the grant assigned to the property.

Selectman Joseph Sergi said during Monday's meeting that through the recent discussions of rezoning the property, the MSBA was made aware that the school property had changed functions. But it remains uncertain whether this will affect the grant.

"They (the MSBA) were not aware that the school was in re-use mode, so right now John (Town Administrator Moak) is working closely with Superintendent (of Schools Joan) Landers to navigate this and address the concerns of the (MSBA)," said Sergi. "Hopefully, we'll have an outcome that is in the best interest of the commonwealth, as well as the residents of Pepperell."

The grant helps to pay for debt service, but before the MSBA makes the payment, said Sergi, it's looking for more information on what has happened and the intent for the property.

The grant amount in question is more than $200,000, said Selectman Stephen Themelis.

According to selectmen, the issue in question was under the jurisdiction of the School Committee.

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"The (former) superintendent did not notify MSPA back a few years ago when the original action was taken," said Sergi.

Because the process has taken longer than anticipated, "it behooves us to notify people that there is an issue with the grant," said Selectman Michael Green. "And that could potentially, if this goes long term, it could mean an expense to the town."

In other business, selectmen voted to postpone a Town Meeting vote to allow the Water Department to use $180,000 in retained earnings as part of its $1.5 million budget until 2013 annual Town Meeting.

The budget had passed as $1.5 million at this year's Town Meeting, but the wording did not specifically include the need for the amount from retained earnings.

Although the article requires a town vote, and would otherwise have to go before a Special Town Meeting, with the votes of all three selectmen, the state DOR is allowing a postponement of the vote.

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